My first trip to Peru, sort of: Pollos A La Brasa

Pollos A La Brasa

Okay, so I've never actually been to Peru, yet, but this is the closet I've been so far. So, again I've been introduced to a restaurant in the Eagle Rock area by my foodie uncle and it happened to be my first Peruvian food experience. What did I think of it? The food was good, really good and I was actually quite surprised. I suppose I had it ingrained in my mind that it would be somewhat like Mexican, Brazilian or Argentinian food, but I was pleasantly surprised. For some reason, it seemed like a combination of Latin and Asian food. Mind you I've never had Peruvian food before and don't know much about the culture and culinary influences. If you're in the same boat as I, then let me try to elaborate: My first glance at the menu and I see chicken fried rice and something that looks like a Filipino dish called Beefsteak from Asian Noodles (which is now called Noi) which consists of beef with noodles (later I found out it was spaghetti). So, now I want to talk about the restaurant before I get back to the food. It's in a small shopping plaza next to (Blockbuster and across from Swork) with a decent amount of parking, so that's a plus. It's a hole-in-the-wall and nothing much to look at it but don't let it fool you, the food is great. Ok, back to the food now. From what I can tell the Lomo Saltado is the thing to get, it's a meat-and-potatoes meal; the ingredients being beef sauteed with onions, and tomatoes, topped with french fries and a side of rice. Although, this time I opted for the Lomo Saltado Mixto, which has the same ingredients as the former with the addition of chicken. As it arrived, it didn't look like much, but this is the dish that reminded me of my beloved Beefsteak and I was hoping it'd be at least as good and it sure was. If you want to try a traditional drink, I suggest ordering Chicha--a Peruvian drink made of corn powder and water-- or Maracuya made from Passion fruit. In addition, I'd like to point out that Pollos A La Brasa is known for their Peruvian style rotisserie chicken. I have yet to try it but I've heard it was great, from Dave, of the famous Dave's Chillin-N-Grillin.




What to eat: Rotisserie Chicken and Lomo Saltado
What to drink: Chicha and Maracuya
What to know before you go: Closed on Wednesdays
Where to park: Ample lot parking in the plaza


2161 Colorado Blvd. Units 106-107
Los Angeles "Eagle Rock", CA 90041
(323) 255-6322

Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs: 11:30am-9:00pm
Wed: CLOSED
Fri & Sat: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Sun: 9:00am-9:00pm

Swork Coffee

Swork Coffee


If you've ever driven down Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock than you've probably seen a small coffee shop with bright red letters called Swork. The facade itself was enough for me to want to try it and so I did. It's a nice little coffee shop that's somewhat Starbucks-esque but with a hint of Ikea. All in all, it's a very homey place that has a small child play area and that even serves a small selection of gelato and has free Wi-Fi.



What to eat: There are a few good pastries, try what you like, I prefer the cookies.
What to drink: Frappuccino, gelato
What to know before you go: Bring your laptop for free Wi-Fi usage
Where to park: Metered street parking or a lot behind Swork



2160 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 258-5600

www.swork.com

Hours:
Mon-Thu 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 6:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.
Sun 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Best damn sandwiches in town: Dave's Chillin-N-Grillin

Dave's Chillin-N-Grillin


I have a lot to thank my uncle for, one of them being the love of finding and trying new places to eat. Being that he lives in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, He knows somewhat more of the restaurants there. It so happens that there, in Eagle Rock, nestled between two small businesses lay Dave's Chillin-N-Grillin. Trust me (or at least you'll learn to when you try this place) when I say this place is second-to-none when it comes to sandwiches and smoothies. My love for this place comes from Dave's French Dip Melt (Formerly, the Roast Beef Melt) and either a Strawbanana smoothie or his Brown Cow shake. I really can't describe the taste of the melt as it just melts in your mouth with premium quality ingredients and as many say, the best thing about Dave's, is Dave himself. He has since hired a few other workers but you're sure to catch him there.

What to eat: French Dip Melt, Tuna Melt, Meatball Sub

What to drink: Strawbanana Smoothie, Brown Cow Shake

What to know before you go: it's CASH only, so bring some.

Where to park: If you're going East on Colorado to get there, turn right on the small street just past Dave's and park in the alley/parking lot or if you're going West on Colorado, turn left on that same small street.

Dave's Chillin-N-Grillin
2152 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
(323) 490-0988
http://daveschillin.com/

Hours:
Monday: Saturday 11:00AM - 9:00PM
Sunday: 12:00PM - 8:00PM